Interpreting the law of Horror Films

We the People, in order to establish guidelines, insure consistency, provide a common reference, promote Horror as a film genre, and eliminate ignorance, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the classification of a Horror Film.

Article I – Character’s Perspective

The general goal of a Horror Film is to create fear, tension, or anxiety in the audience through identification with the characters in the film. The audience reaction, however, has no bearing on the classification of a Horror Film. The audience is intended to identify with the characters in the film but it is not dispositive if that connection is not made. Characters in the film are the barometer for whether or not the film inspires apprehension, fear, or terror.

Article II – Malevolent Force

A Horror Film requires a malevolent force that threatens the lives of the characters. A malevolent force is an entity that maliciously threatens harm to the characters. The malevolent force can be Supernatural or a Natural Human force; there is a rebuttable presumption that movies that involve a supernatural force are Horror Films. In most instances the malevolent force will have a significant advantage in strength or other attributes. What follows is a list of common sub genres based on the malevolent force and examples of movies that fall into that category:

Supernatural – departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature

Ghosts: Ju-on, Poltergeist, Devil’s Backbone

Demons: Paranormal Activity

Possession/Satanic: The Omen, The Exorcist, The Last Exorcism

Vampires: Dracula, 30 Days of Night, Fright Night

Aliens: Alien, The Thing

Zombies: George Romero Dead Series, Planet Terror, Shaun of the Dead

Monsters: Gremlins, The Mummy, Frankenstein

Curse: The Wolf Man, Drag Me To Hell

Natural – human malevolent force that does not fall into the supernatural category

Slasher: Halloween, Friday the 13th, Hatchet

Torture: Hostel, Saw

Home Invasion: The Strangers, Them, Funny Games

Kidnapping: Borderland, Shuttle

Cults: Rosemary’s Baby

Nature: The Mist, The Birds

Article III – Plot

The plot revolves around the main character’s fear of the malevolent force and the struggle for survival. There is a presumption that the characters are at a disadvantage to the malevolent force; if the playing field is level and the characters seek out the conflict the plot likely does not qualify.

Dreamed plots or those invented in the mind of a psychotic person may be considered Horror Films if they meet all other criteria. There is no requirement that the events actually take place, just that they appear on screen

A Horror Film may have a humorous tone so long as the film follows an established genre convention and there are moments of genuine tension or fear for the characters in which they must address a serious issue.